In a significant move Telangana’s New Sand Policy 2024, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has emphasized the necessity for a revamped sand policy to combat the rampant unauthorized quarrying and illicit sand transportation plaguing the region. The existing policy, he asserted, has not only failed to address these issues but has also become a breeding ground for corruption.
Telangana New Sand policy 2024
Expressing grave concerns over the unchecked exploitation of sand resources, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy urged immediate action to curb unauthorized activities. Addressing officials in a meeting with Mines and Geology authorities, he underscored the imperative of formulating a new policy framework tailored to meet public demands while ensuring governmental revenue growth.
Crackdown on Illegal Practices
In a resolute tone, Revanth Reddy directed officials to study the successful sand policies implemented in neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Moreover, he issued a stern warning against the continued unauthorized quarrying and transportation of sand, stressing the need for prompt cessation of such activities.
Enforcement Measures
To enforce compliance effectively, the Chief Minister mandated a swift overhaul of existing practices within the bureaucratic machinery. He outlined a stringent timeline, demanding all officials to adapt to the new directives within 48 hours. Subsequently, he proposed the deployment of vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials across all districts to conduct thorough inspections. No leniency would be shown towards any violations, he declared, emphasizing the utilization of toll gate data to identify and apprehend trucks engaged in illegal sand transportation.
Zero Tolerance Policy
Revanth Reddy left no room for ambiguity regarding the repercussions of non-compliance. Mere imposition of fines would no longer suffice; stringent punitive actions awaited those found culpable of irregularities. Stressing the gravity of the situation, he highlighted recent surprise inspections that uncovered alarming rates of illegal sand transportation, warranting urgent corrective measures.
Structural Reforms
Beyond immediate enforcement, the Chief Minister called for structural reforms within the Mines and Geology department. Unauthorized stone crushers operating on the outskirts of Hyderabad would face immediate seizure, he decreed. Additionally, he emphasized the need for stringent taxation on deep excavations exceeding six feet, aligning building permissions with an integrated online system for enhanced oversight.
Transparency and Accountability
In a bid to foster transparency, Revanth Reddy demanded a comprehensive report on ongoing granite and quarry-related cases. He sought detailed insights into the agencies handling these cases, alongside their current status, reaffirming his commitment to cleansing the department of any malpractices.
Combatting Illegal Sand Mining: Chief Minister Issues Strict Orders
Illegal sand mining has become a pressing concern, prompting the Chief Minister to issue stern warnings against such activities. The CM’s directive mandates an immediate halt to all sand quarrying and unauthorized transportation, setting a strict 48-hour deadline for officials to enforce compliance across the board.
Vigilance and ACB Teams Deployed for Immediate Action
In a decisive move, the Chief Minister has ordered the deployment of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) teams to conduct thorough inspections in all districts without delay. The message is clear: no one involved in illegal sand trade will escape accountability, and stringent measures will be taken against perpetrators.
Crackdown on Illegal Sand Transportation
To effectively curb illegal sand transportation, officials will utilize data collected at toll gates along various routes to compile comprehensive reports on illicit sand transportation via lorries. The directive emphasizes the inspection of all existing sand reaches and dumps, with stringent penalties awaiting those found guilty of any irregularities.
Ensuring Accountability and Oversight
Expressing dissatisfaction with officials’ claims regarding CCTV camera installations at sand reaches, the Chief Minister cited firsthand observations during a previous visit to a sand quarry. This underscores the need for enhanced oversight and accountability measures to prevent malpractices effectively.
Reviewing Past Inspections and Taking Action
Highlighting past inspections in Nizamabad and Warangal, where numerous unauthorized sand lorries were discovered, the Chief Minister underscored the urgency of addressing systemic irregularities within the mining sector. A comprehensive overhaul, including reforms within the Mines department, is imperative to combat illegal sand mining effectively.
Collaborative Efforts for Effective Governance
A recent review meeting convened by CM Sri Revanth Reddy, attended by key officials from the Department of Mines and Mineral Resources, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining head-on. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including ministers and government officials, underscores the seriousness of the issue.
Enforcing Regulatory Compliance
In a bid to enforce regulatory compliance, the Chief Minister has ordered the seizure of stone crushers operating without proper authorization in the vicinity of Hyderabad. Additionally, efforts to raise public awareness regarding the responsible disposal of construction materials are being prioritized to mitigate road hazards.
Strengthening Regulatory Mechanisms
To streamline regulatory mechanisms, the Mineral Resources Department has been tasked with collecting taxes in accordance with established rules for excavations exceeding six meters in depth. An integrated online system will facilitate the documentation and approval process for construction projects, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
Embracing Technology for Enhanced Surveillance
Emphasizing the role of technology in combating illegal mining activities, the Chief Minister has proposed the utilization of geo-tagging and GPS tracking to monitor and prevent unauthorized granite and mineral mining. This proactive approach aims to bolster surveillance and enforcement efforts across the state.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister’s unwavering resolve to tackle illegal sand mining underscores the government’s commitment to upholding regulatory integrity and environmental conservation. Through collaborative efforts, stringent enforcement measures, and the embrace of technology, the state aims to safeguard its natural resources for future generations.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s unequivocal stance against illegal sand activities underscores a proactive approach towards governance and environmental sustainability. Through robust policy reforms and stringent enforcement, the government aims to restore order and integrity within the sand mining sector, safeguarding both public interests and natural resources.
